Kevlar Tarps Fact or Fiction ??

I was going to say the same. When they make it, they cut it with just a regular old razor knife. Its soft and flexible unless its made like a helmet then its strong but does not have any flexibility.

 

I always avoid tarp loads when possible but some of those machinery loads pay too good to pass up. I was also thinking that going to a carpet store that does installations and asking them to save me a couple of good whole room tear outs that can be cut into squares for padding is a good idea. Anyone done this?

 

Yeah, kinda, went behind the carpet store with new carpet knife and started cutting pieces out of the trash. But left it out in rain when working on truck one night and it was a mess. Need to replace next week or see about a lead on some old painters tarps.

Don't do a lot of tarping but biggest issue is keeping it in place. If it won't harm the load I have used a little duck tape.

 

Another thing that works good is old mud flaps. Someone is always tearing them off backing up against the curb at truck stops. The thin rubber ones that is.

 

The best tape I've found for securing padding or virtually anything on new equipment is the heat shrink tape for boats and such. It comes right off with no mess, yet sticks like duct tape. I've been lucky lately that I've been given a roll with a few different loads over the last couple years. I use mover pads primarily when padding loads.

 

I like the mover pads. Maybe a little pricey to start but you can wash and dry them if they get wet.

Any idea of places to buy that tape?

 

I haven't bought that particular tape, but you might try a local industrial supply store.

BTW - have you rec'd the Cordura tarps and tried them yet?? I was looking at PeakTarp's website and they claim the cordura is 100% Water Repellant - not Waterproof. I'm wondering if that will be an issue. For comparison I can only use my experience with wet weather gear: 100% water-repellant was only under certain conditions, then the jacket would start to soak up water.

Just askin' ...

 

We supply all our company trucks with canvas tarps to put down under their vinyl tarps. Vinyl does a good job when the truck is going down the road and the wind is blowing the water off. When water has a chance to pool, it tends to find the little holes or soaks through the weak spot in the tarp. The canvas tarp tends to absorb any water that gets through while keeping the steel dry. We also ask drivers to use plastic if provided by the shipper. Every little bit helps.

 

They are coated with urethane on the inside. I don't count on any tarp being water proof. If 100% water proof is needed then extra plastic inside is needed. Still new to this but my understanding is when it is a big deal the shipper will provide plastic sheeting. But also plan on keeping a couple blue tarps for that picky shipper.

Just make sure you understand that those cheaper lumber tarps have no d rings. A little more if you want them.

 

I always had good luck with the 18oz tarps from Tarpstop in Perrysburg, OH. They're probably not much different from most suppliers.

I "retired" from tarping loads this past January, and gave myself a belated Xmas present of a Fasttrack rolling tarp system from the Tarpstop people. Warning: they are highly addictive and you'll never give it up They were giving me such a good deal that I couldn't pass it by.